The Mighty Clouds of Joy

When: Fri., Nov. 16, 8 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 17, 8 p.m. 2012

Though The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been singing their gospel celebrations (albeit with vastly varying lineups) for the better part of a century, don't call them dated: They often flit from the traditional to the contemporary, backing their astounding voices with arrangements that push toward the edge of R&B. They've worked with big producers and stars, attempting relevancy in a field sometimes treated like a Sunday afternoon museum service. For some, The Mighty Clouds might put a bit too much polish on these bedrock numbers, sometimes focusing on individual power and modern flash, at least relative to gospel's primitive core. But the song and the singing—wow, that singing—are still there, stretching these treasured tunes along toward their most sacred ground. This is a special two-night stand for the treasured Hayti Heritage Center. —Grayson Currin